- Josko Gvardiol admits he spent the summer brooding over the FA Cup final mistake
- The Croat headed over an advancing Ortega, allowing Garnacho to score
- He says winning the Community Shield would be a big step forward ahead of the new campaign
Josko Gvardiol has been brooding over his FA Cup final mistake all summer and is seeking revenge on Manchester United in next month’s Community Shield.
The Croatian, who played a key role in Manchester City’s late push for a fourth successive Premier League title, was caught up in a foul with goalkeeper Stefan Ortega as he gave United the opening goal in the defeat at Wembley.
Gvardiol eventually headed over the onrushing Ortega, allowing Alejandro Garnacho to score. The scene, he admits, still sticks in his mind.
“I still feel angry about what I did,” Gvardiol said. “I wanted to pass the ball back to Stefan. I didn’t see him, I thought he was on the line and I just wanted to head the ball back. Sometimes we need to talk more, communicate more.
“I just want to win the Community Shield and show that we are ready for next season. If we win that game, it will be like a wind at our backs that will push us forward.”
Josko Gvardiol has admitted he has been brooding over the FA Cup final mistake all summer
The Croat headed over an onrushing Stefan Ortega, allowing Alehandro Garnacho to score
City have been known to start slowly and have only a handful of first-team players on their pre-season tour of the United States.
Gvardiol and international team-mate Mateo Kovacic have added to their squad by joining Pep Guardiola’s squad in New York ahead of Saturday night’s friendly against AC Milan.
Gvardiol, a £77million signing from RB Leipzig, initially struggled in his new surroundings last year, with Guardiola claiming the 22-year-old was “confused” at being asked to play at left-back, before a stunning final few months of the campaign saw his performances click.
Gvardiol played as a left winger cutting in from the flank and scored five goals in seven games in the final stages of the competition, finishing with the same number of league goals as Gabriel Jesus.
“I woke up and started performing,” Gvardiol added. “I knew I was making stupid mistakes. I had to play more simply and I changed that at the end of the season.
‘I was (just) passing the ball to the first player I saw. I had a period of no confidence and that’s normal.’
Gvardiol scored five goals in seven games in the final stages after a slow start in England
Guardiola and Gvardiol have spoken extensively about his switch from centre-back to left-back and he is certain to become a regular starter this season.
“I believe Pep chose me because of who I am,” Gvardiol said. “The position was new to me, but I didn’t complain about it. I saw it as a challenge. It definitely feels more comfortable now.”